13. A Gift for Christmas 2024

Delivery for Christmas 2024

It was three years ago that YWAM Ships Switzerland purchased and began the renovation of an ex navy tender, Island Reach. In partnership with Maritime Academy, Friends of Island Reach and Mercy Ministries Madagascar our intention was to provide a small medical ship for service in and around the French speaking Island of Madagascar.

Outfitted with an eye clinic, dental space, small surgical unit and pharmacy she was to serve coastal regions who have little or no access to healthcare. Further investment allowed for the installation of a desalinator which could produce up to 4 tonnes of fresh water from sea water within 24hrs, thus offering extra aid to regions hit hard with drought.

At the beginning of 2024 the Lord began to make it clear that HIS timing for the delivery of Island Reach to Madagascar would be in time for Christmas 2024 . As well as leaning into the Holy Spirit for His plans and His way - TIMING was key, and not something to be taken for granted. Especially when considering a transit in an unstable region.

The verse which He gave us at the beginning of the year was from Ps 77:19. In great humility we trusted Him with the path through the Red Sea and with an amazing crew on board, we set sail on September 29th from Conwy, Wales. Bound for Antsiranana, Madagascar.

Our trust and faith in the Lord has grown immeasurably during the transit. Time after time we saw God in the large and in the small details. While in Malta for example we met the son of the first ever captain of our little ship when she was commissioned by the British navy. We welcomed him on board and called his dad to tell him the news of her future mission. During the sail we gave thanks for the news that Island Reach would receive an exemption from import taxes in Madagascar from the government, and of their intention to work with us towards reaching the nation. Stories of missiles and pirates would take far too long to tell, but grab the ear of one of the crew and put up your feet for the afternoon - the sharing is rich and Gods grace evident.

With much joy and celebration Island Reach arrived safely on December 2nd and after a period of transition was handed over to her new crew. The re-flagging and registering of the vessel are underway as well as the planning for her first mission after the hurricane season.

Thank you everyone, for each and every part you played in this project. Words alone cannot capture and communicate the gratitude, the wonder and the joy of being able to deliver Island Reach for CHRISTMAS 2024